Research Projects
My research has been developed along two trajectories. My earlier work examined the intersections of ageing and transnational migration, i.e. transnational eldercare, later-life mobilities, politics of belonging and citizenship. As a faculty member on Educator track (2020-2025), I focused on geographical pedagogy with an emphasis on feminist approaches, and blended and digitally mediated forms of teaching and learning.
Pedagogy
Teaching Pre-University Geography through Role-play and Deep Listening: Enhancing Geographical Inquiry using Interdisciplinary Strategies for Managing Classroom Dynamics
2023-2025
Collaborator
Principal Investigator: Kamalini Ramdas, Department of Geography, National University of Singapore
Collaborators: Robin Loon, Department of Theatre Studies, National University of Singapore, Shobha Avadhani, Department of Communications and New Media, National University of Singapore & Josef Tan, Ministry of Education
Funding: National Institute of Education, Singapore
Exploring barriers and opportunities for equitable education in under-resourced regions.
Blended Learning and Interactive Fieldtrip Worksheets
National University of Singapore, 2022-2023
Principal Investigator
Funding: Blended Learning 2.0, NUS Provost’s Office, National University of Singapore.
Documenting personal stories to highlight diverse perspectives within local communities.
Ageing and Migration
Return, Reflection and Rationalisations: Geographies of Cumulative Inequality among Returning Retirement Migrants from the United Kingdom to Sri Lanka
National University of Singapore, 2012-2017
Academic Advisors: Shirlena Huang (main), Elaine Ho, Leng Leng Thang
This Doctoral Research…… Investigating how urban spaces shape community identities and social interactions in diverse cities.
Migration, the Elderly and Care Networks: A Study of Eldercare among Sri Lankan-Australian Transnational Families
National University of Singapore, 2009-2011
Academic Advisor: Shirlena Huang
Maters research ….Investigating how urban spaces shape community identities and social interactions in diverse cities.
Relevant Publications
De Silva, M. (2018). Making the emotional connection: Transnational eldercare circulation within Sri Lankan-Australian transnational families. Gender, Place and Culture, 25(1), 88-103. DOI: 10.1080/0966369X.2017.1339018 [ResearchGate]
De Silva, M. (2017). The care pentagon: Older adults within Sri Lankan-Australian transnational families and their landscapes of care. Population, Space and Place, 23(8), e2061. DOI: 10.1002/psp.2061.
Social-cultural Issues within Elderly Institutional Care Services in the Colombo district: An Urban-Rural Comparison
University of Colombo, 2006-2007
Academic Advisor: Omala Perera
Bachelors Research….Investigating how urban spaces shape community identities and social interactions in diverse cities.
Reach out
Are you interested in collaborating or learning more about my work? Do reach out to have a conversation